Academics

Curriculum Content

The Religious Education program is the heart of the school’s educational mission. It has as its purpose to lead the student to a conscious, living, active and mature Christian life. Religion is a requirement for students in all grades. Students in grade 2 are prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and students in grade 8 are prepared for the sacrament of Confirmation, in addition to their Catholic studies.

Social Ministry makes our school Catholic. Through our baptism, we are all called to serve and to be the light of Christ to others. The purpose of our social justice program is two-fold. First, using the seven corporal works of mercy as a guide, we strive to awaken in our students a sense of responsibility to reach out and to respond to others’ needs. The second purpose of our program is to actively involve each student and every staff member to work toward making Nativity School a more peaceable community. Making peace must start within us, in our classroom, and in our school. Each of us, members of the Nativity School community, commits himself/herself as best he/she can to become nonviolent and peaceable people, in our school, in our community, and in our homes. Therefore, we pledge:

To respect ourselves and others.

To communicate better.

To listen.

To forgive.

To respect nature.

To play peacefully.

To act courageously.

Our social justice program is not just the work of one individual or group, but a school-wide effort. As we are all one body in Christ, we are all called by our baptism to be Christ to others. Thus, we challenge all students, parents, and staff to be a part of the solution because we know if you want peace, you need to work for justice.

The Language Arts curriculum consists of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. As a community of readers, the reading program at Nativity School is intended to develop a love of reading through an integrated approach, which emphasizes skill development through phonics while exposing children to a variety of literature genres. Teachers lead children to raise issues, respond to questions, investigate, conclude, converse, and write. Language Arts resources include topic-related books in Science and Social Studies and the use of literature in the teaching of reading. Quality literature promotes the development of vocabulary in addition to interpretive and evaluative thinking skills. It models excellent writing and exposes children to the important symbols and ideas of the world. Our “Super Readers” program is dedicated to providing one-on-one and small group support to those students who are having difficulty learning to become independent readers.

Writing is emphasized in our Language Arts program and includes the essential elements of prewriting, drafting, conferencing, revising, editing, and publishing. Writing pervades the curriculum as children record, analyze, interpret, and evaluate in all subject areas. Students develop their own creative expression through letters, journals, stories, poems, songs, and plays. For students in grades Kindergarten to 2nd, there is also handwriting instruction based on the Zaner-Bloser style.

The Mathematics program places strong emphasis on a sequential program that will develop accuracy, understanding and facility in the fundamental process of computation and a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts and their application to problem solving. Students in the 7th grade take Pre-Algebra and students in 8th grade may take Algebra I. Please note, a student’s Pre-Algebra grade, their ITBS score, and the Math teacher’s recommendation are all considered for advancement placement in Algebra 1.

The Science program acquaints the student with the process and content of Science, to develop an appreciation of the physical world, and to foster the spirit of inquiry through experimentation. Health and safety instruction is to be considered part of the Science program.

The Social Studies program helps students acquire a greater appreciation of the past, a better understanding of the present, and how to move more wisely into the future according to Christian principles. Social Studies topics are integrated into the curriculum across all grade levels. Students explore themes ranging from the family to United States history. Age appropriate geography and map reading skills receive emphasis at each grade level.

Every student participates in a program of Physical Education. Nativity School's Physical Education program helps the students grow physically, mentally, and socially. The goals of the Physical Education program are to: 1) promote students' physical development in terms of strength, power, endurance, agility, and body efficiency; 2) encourage the development of motor skills; 3) develop knowledge of the rules, strategies, and historical aspects of various sports; 4) instill proper attitudes toward play, such as sportsmanship, ethics, and personal relationships of the participants; 5) establish desirable habits of personal health and safety, and concern for the welfare of others; and 6) offer opportunities for participation in activities which will be useful and enjoyable in adult life.

Nativity School also offers a variety of special courses and activities. Music and Art programs contribute to the aesthetic growth of the student. Students in all grades except 8th grade take Spanish one day a week to familiarize them with a foreign language. Students will gain an understanding of essential Library and computer concepts, and will develop an appreciation and confidence in their Library and computer skills through successful experience. The use of the library and computer lab will be directly connected to the student's overall curriculum.